Programs 2010

November 23

Potluck dinner and Auction to benefit the Heritage Fund. All members and guests had great fun and fellowship this year. More than $550 was raised for the Heritage Fund. More than 300 jars of peanut butter and other donations were made to representatives of the Portland Community Center.

September 28

Guest performer and speaker, Laura Doll, a member of the Louisville Pipe Band and a current performing member of the Grade I City of Washington Pipe Band, shared the intricacies of tenor drumming as it pertains to solo and pipe band competitions. This year she has played at the White House and performed at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland in August with the City of Washington Pipe Band.

August 24

At our August meeting, longtime member Pat Schweitzer spoke about the 7 Celtic Nations. If your ancestors were from Europe, then you are most likely of Celtic origin. Pat is known for her quick wit and attention to historical detail, so this was a fun and entertaining look at the Celts from earliest beginnings to the last nations today designated Celtic.

April 27

Installation of new board members: Marleen Bailie – Membership Chair, Karen Berenberg – Member at Large, Marla Jo Cameron – Member at Large/Newsletter Editor, Jenny Dickson – Regional Celtic Commissioner, Connie Fry – Programs and Education Commissioner. Marleen Bailie, piper, and Laura Doll, Tenor drummer, led the new board members into the meeting.

The program highlighted the talents of Gregory Harper, who is a craftsman, archaeologist, historian, musician, and entertainer. His repertoire spanned everything from ancient Celtic ballads to popular covers, as well as original compositions.

March 21

Our March Meeting highlighted the work of International playwright, Director and Performer, Bill Breuer, who shared his research into Faery’s and pixies in preparation for writing his play The Faery’s Kiss. The play made its world premiere last year and was subsequently produced in Canada. Bill, along with his lovely wife, read a part of his play. It was a most informative and enjoyable evening. We thank you Bill!

February 21

Our February Meeting showcased two young Irish Step Dancers from McClanahan’s School of Irish Dance in Louisville, Chauncey Olsen, 21 years old and Avalon Sutherland, 20 years old, who will be on their way to Glasgow, Scotland this summer to compete in the Irish Step Dance World Championships. The dancers, and along with their instructor, Heather McClanahan Ackerman, shared some of their dances and answered questions from our membership!

January 26

John Dickson and Jim and Jean Hughes share pointers on how to properly wear Scottish clothes.